Vacuum cleaner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaners lack user-friendliness and compact design, requiring users to handle directly contaminated filters and involving complex filter removal processes.

Innovation Solution

A suction device with a filter holder that allows for easy removal and replacement of filter cassettes, featuring a compact design with optimized flow paths and sealed connections, minimizing dimensions and reducing dust dispersion during filter handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the filter device is integrated directly into the suction head, then the suction device achieves compact design, but the filter device becomes difficult to remove and replace

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall size of suction deviceVSAvoidfilter removal and replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter device is segmented from the suction head by introducing a filter holder as an intermediate component. The filter device is held in the filter holder, which is detachably mounted on the suction head. This allows the filter device to be removed together with the filter holder as a unit, making filter replacement simple while maintaining compact integration during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the filter device is made accessible from the outside, then user-friendliness increases, but the structural complexity of the suction head increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter accessibilityVSAvoidsuction head structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter holder serves multiple functions: it holds the filter device, provides external accessibility for filter removal, and integrates with the suction head structure. By making the filter holder the universal interface for both filtration and access purposes, the design avoids adding separate access mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the flow path is optimized to be short and direct, then suction performance improves, but the space required for filter holder and filter device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction performanceVSAvoidspace for filter holder and filter device
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter holder and filter device are arranged in a spatial configuration that utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently. The flow path enters the filter holder through a first opening, passes through the filter device positioned between the first and second openings, and exits through the second opening. This dimensional arrangement allows for a short flow path while accommodating the filter components within compact transverse dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances user convenience by allowing filter disposal without direct contact with contaminated filters and achieves a compact, efficient vacuum cleaner design with minimized dimensions and improved suction performance.

Implementation Method 1

a suction unit with a motor device is arranged... with a flow path between the suction inlet and the suction unit leading through the filter device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

a filter device is arranged, with a flow path between the suction inlet and the suction unit leading through the filter device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2978354B1Vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG
  • EP2978354B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2978354B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2978354B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a suction device comprising a suction inlet (16) and a suction head (14) on which a suction unit (24) with a motor unit (28) is arranged and on which a filter device (20) is arranged, wherein a flow path (30) leads between the suction inlet (16) and the suction unit (24) through the filter device (20), wherein a filter holder (46) that holds the filter device (20) on the suction head is arranged on an outer side of the suction head (14), which positions the filter device (20) in the flow path (30) and is removable as whole with the retained filter device (20) from said suction head (14), and wherein the filter device (20) can be removed from the filter holder (46).